After seizing control of the border town of Kan Paik Ti, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been clearing areas inside and outside the town while sealing off some government offices and raising the Kachin national flag at the border gates, according to reports.
Local residents say the KIA is currently continuing to hunt down junta soldiers and militia members who are still at large after the battle for the town.
One local resident stated: “I heard they’ve arrested around 10 people today. It’s hard to confirm the details at the moment. The soldiers are fleeing towards the border area with China. Since the Chinese side has also reportedly closed the roads, they seem to be scattered along the border. As the KIA continues clearing the area, gunshots can still be heard.”
On the evening of 20 November, when the KIA took full control of Kan Paik Ti, local residents reported that the Chinese government again closed the border gate that had been recently reopened.
Currently, although the KIA has taken full control of Kan Paik Ti town, local residents are still evacuating to nearby border areas due to security concerns, according to a man from Kan Paik Ti.
“The KIA is still clearing the area and hasn’t told the residents to enter. Residents are mainly worried about potential airstrikes. Because of this, no one has dared to return,” he explained.
Local residents are requesting that the KIA primarily take responsibility for the security of town residents now that they have captured the entire town.
According to local reports, the Chinese government has closed the border gate connecting the two countries, as well as entry and exit gates on the Kan Paik Ti side.
Moreover, local sources report that the military council has closed the Bala Min Htin Bridge, which connects Myitkyina and Waingmaw towns, starting from around 8am on 21 November.
Regarding the bridge closure, some Myitkyina residents say that it might be due to the KIA’s capture of Kan Paik Ti, while others say it could be a temporary closure related to rumors of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing potentially visiting Myitkyina.
Sent by KNG.